Peg wooden doll facts for kids
Peg wooden dolls, also known as Dutch dolls, are a special kind of wooden doll. They first came from Germany. These dolls were often made in the Val Gardena area of the Alps. They were simple dolls, shaped on a machine called a lathe.
When these dolls were sold, they usually didn't have clothes. Kids would then use small pieces of fabric to make outfits for them. This made each doll unique!
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What Makes Peg Wooden Dolls Special?
Peg wooden dolls are known for how their arms and legs are attached. They use a special method called "pegging." This means the limbs are connected to the body with small wooden pegs. This way of making dolls is very old. Dolls like these have been found all over the world.
Sometimes, the pegs link the arms or legs together. If you move one arm, the other arm might move too! More advanced peg joints allow each arm or leg to move on its own. This makes the dolls more flexible.
Meet the Tuck Comb Dolls
Unique Features of Tuck Comb Dolls
A special type of peg wooden doll is called a Tuck comb doll. These dolls get their name from a carved hair comb on their head. The doll's head and body are made from a single piece of wood.
Their hair is usually painted. It often has curly fringes and a painted comb. Early Tuck comb dolls looked very elegant. They had long, graceful bodies and finely carved details. Some even had painted slippers or wooden earrings.
Some of these dolls were dressed up like traveling merchants. They were called pedlar dolls. They might have carried tiny baskets or trays with miniature goods.
Peg Wooden Dolls in Books and Museums
The famous children's book, The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls and a Golliwogg, features these dolls. It was written and illustrated by Florence Kate Upton. This book helped make Dutch dolls even more popular.
If you want to see many different peg wooden dolls, you can visit the Museum Gherdëina. This museum has a large collection of these dolls in various sizes. It's a great place to learn more about their history!
Gallery
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Peg wooden doll from Val Gardena, late 19th century
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Peg wooden doll from Val Gardena, late 19th century
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Peg wooden doll from Val Gardena, late 19th century
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Peg wooden doll from Val Gardena, late 19th century
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Peg wooden doll from Val Gardena, late 19th century, rear view
